Don’t Be Afraid

The pressure from people can sometimes cause us to do or say things we don’t mean. Take Moses for example, he failed God because of the pressure of the people; a moment caused him to miss out on taking the people into the Promised Land. “Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!'” Numbers 20:11-12 (NLT)

Because of this Moses was not allowed to take the Israelites into the Promised Land. However, God allowed him to see the land and to prepare Joshua for his new role as leader of Israel. Moses couldn’t lead them in, but God allowed him to train and prepare Joshua for the task. Moses gave Joshua six assurances, which are listed in Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT).

The first assurance: “do not be afraid”. Joshua, you are in a position that is new; you have been a faithful and consistent servant, but now you are the new leader. You are about to enter a place you have not been to before, and this could be fearful. “Do not be afraid.” Why? God is personally involved with you.

I want to encourage someone who may be facing similar circumstances, don’t be afraid. God is not only leading you, but He is personally involved in your life.